To highlight old traditions in the Historical Area, Jeddah Municipality has prepared various night activities for Ramadan at Naseef House in the downtown Al-Balad District. The activities began Aug. 21 and will end on Aug. 30. The ten days of activities include performances of the traditional chants at weddings, presentations about the historical area, cultural contests, displays of traditional schools and weddings, Ramadan games for boys, and a demonstration by the mesaharaty, the traditional caller who wakes people for Suhoor, the early morning meal before fasting. “The activities are sponsored by Saudi Aramco every year and we aim through them to renew the old traditions of the historical districts of Al-Balad during Ramadan,” said Sami Nawar, head of the Historical Area Municipality. The displays and activities are presented twice daily. The first session is from 10:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M., while the second is from 12:30 A.M. to 1:30 A.M. in the plaza in front of Naseef House. Most of the participants in the program are young people who were born in the district of Al-Balad and who are determined to renew the old traditions and activities of Ramadan. Mohammad Al-Zubari, who performs a traditional chant at weddings (jasses), and who was born close to Naseef House, said he wants to send a message to the younger generation not to lose their traditions because this is part of their identity. He said he was “proud” of his participation. He said many countries around the world were proud to show how they celebrate their traditions during Ramadan. Some people are also selling traditional goods. “I am displaying a handmade bag containing candy (laddoo), dates, nuts and some traditional gifts,” said Omar Massoud. Naseef House, a symbol of historic Hejazi traditions, is situated along the old city of Jeddah's main street, Souq Al-Alawi. It consists of three floors with the ground floor open to the public. The floor has a water spring that can be viewed through a glass covering, a 3D map of Balad and surrounding areas and other rooms for display. The house has 107 rooms.
